Dry Eye

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Eye Symptoms

Sometimes your eyes don’t make enough tears or the tears evaporate too fast because they don’t have the right amount of compounds in them. This is called dry eye. Up to 5% of Americans complain of some form of dry eye. Individuals who wear contact lenses or have undergone LASIK or other types of refractive surgery commonly complain of dry eye. The condition is more common in women and is more common and severe in older persons.

Dry eye may occur by itself, or the surface of the eye may be inflamed at the same time. This condition can make it harder for you to carry out certain activities such as reading for long periods or looking at a computer screen. You may also be less comfortable in dry environments.

Mild cases of dry eye may go away on their own. However, if dry eye persists and goes untreated, it can cause ulcers or scars on the surface of the eye (cornea). This can be painful and may lead to some vision loss. Permanent loss of vision from dry eye, though, is uncommon.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can lead to different symptoms, including:

Being unable to read, work on the computer or do other eye-intensive activities for long periods

Blurry vision

Burning or stinging of the eye

Discharge from the eye

Discomfort while wearing contact lenses

Eye fatigue

Feeling like there is something in your eye

Eyelids that feel heavy

Not being able to cry, even when upset emotionally

Periods of excess tears followed by very dry eyes

Redness or pain in the eye

If these symptoms persist or grow worse, contact your eye doctor. He or she will identify the underlying cause of dry eye and offer treatment options.

Causes of Dry Eye

Many factors can lead to dry eye, both temporary and ongoing (chronic), including:

Allergies

Chemical and heat burns of the membrane that covers the eye and inside of the eyelids (conjunctiva)

Chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva or the lacrimal gland

Cosmetic eyelid surgery

Diseases of the skin on or around the eyelids or the glands in the eyelids

Exposure to irritants, such as chemical fumes, tobacco smoke or drafts from heating or air conditioning

Hormone replacement therapy

Immune system disorders such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis